Sulfur-containing heterocyclic steroids and preparation thereof



United States Patent Ofi ice 3,135,741 Patented June 2, 1964 14 15 9 1 9 C2 6'2 10 8 as] (e) A B :03 's 5 wherein X represents 0, NH or N(loWer-alkyl). A double bond can be present in the 2,3-position of the steroid nucleus (5',6-position of the heterocyclic ring).

The exact nature of the steroid moiety is not critical, and it can be derived from any steroid of the general type known to exhibit hormonal or other pharmacological or endocrinological properties. Such steroid moieties have from seventeen to about twenty-three carbon atoms, not counting carbon content which may be provided by esterified hydroxy groups of the compounds provided by the present invention. It is preferred that the steroid moiety have the Set-configuration (A/B ring juncture trans), any any unsaturation in ring A is preferably present in the 2(3)-position, common with the heterocyclic ring; in other Words, the compounds are preferably saturated at the 1-, 4-, 5- and positions.

The steroid moiety can be any member of the estrane, androstane or allopregnane series. The foregoing can contain varying degrees of unsaturation in rings B, C and D and a variety of substituents in the form of hydrocarbon radicals or functional groups conventionally employed in the steroid art. Representative of the steroid moieties which make up the compounds of the invention are those having at position 17 a hydroxy-acyloxy,, 0x0, or both a hydroxy and a lower-alkyl radical, characteristic of the androgenic and anabolic steroids; or at position 17 a loWer-alkenyl, loWer-alkynyl, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl, l-hydroxyethyl, and the like radicals, characteristic of the progestational and adrenal cortical steroids. The steroid moiety can also have one or more substituents at other positions of the nucleus, for example, hydroxy, acyloxy, or oxo radicals at positions 1-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 12-, 14-, 15- or 16- (the 0x0 groups being restricted to positions having secondary carbons); fluorine, chlorine or bromine at the 1-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 12-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17- or 21- positions; and one or more lower-alkyl groups, for example, at the 1-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 12-, 14-, 15- or 16-positions. The steroid moiety usually possesses angular methyl groups at C and C although 18- and 19-norsteroids and 18,19-bisnorsteroids, lacking one or both of the angular methyl groups at C and C respectively, are also representative steroids.

The 18,19-bisnorsteroid, l8- and 19-norsteroid and natural steroid moieties in the compounds of the invention contain, respectively, seventeen, eighteen and nineteen carbon atoms plus any carbon content which may be provided by one or more nuclearly substituted carbon containing radicals, up to and including a total of about twenty-three carbon atoms, exclusive of ester radicals.

When acyloxy radicals are present in the steroid moiety, the acyl radicals are preferably derived from carboxylic acids having from one to about ten carbon atoms, conventionally employed in the steroid art, and having a molecular Weight less than about 200. Representative of the acyl radicals which can be present are loweralkanoyl radicals, e.g., formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, caproyl, heptanoyl, octanoyl, trimethylacetyl, and the like; carboxy-lower-alkanoyl radicals, e.g., succinyl (ii-carboxypropionyl); cycloalkyl-lower-alkanoyl radicals, e.g., B-cyclopentylpropionyl, fi-cyclohexylpropionyl, and the like; monocarbocyclic aroyl radicals, e.g., benzoyl, p-toluyl, p-nitrobenzoyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl, and the like; monocarbocyclic aryl-lower-alkanoyl or -alkenoyl radicals, such as phenylacetyl, fl-phenylpropionyl, cinnamoyl, and the like; and monocarbocyclic aryloxy-lower-alkanoyl radicals, such as p-chlorophenoxyacetyl, and the like. Esters of inorganic acids, for instance, phosphoric acid, are also contemplated.

The compounds of the invention are prepared according to the following flow-sheet diagram. The compounds are represented by partial formulas depicting ring A and part of ring B of the steroid nucleus. The remainder of the steroid moiety, not being critical, is not depicted although understood to be present.

BL. A B A The common precursor is Za-halO-S-OXo-steroid, preferably a Zea-bl'OIllO-3-OXO-St6l0ld (I) (Y being hydrogen or methyl), readily prepared by bromiuation of the corresponding 3-oxo-steroid according to conventional procedures, for example, by slowly adding one equivalent of bromine to an acetic acid solution of the 3-oxo-steroid. Even though oxo groups may be present in other parts of the molecule, for example in the 11-, 17- or ZO-pcsitions,

a 2-l1alo substituent can be introduced selectively owing inert solvent at a temperature between about 50 C. and

159 C. In the case where R represents lower-alkylit is possible to isolate some of the uncyclized intermediate 2a. (N lower alkylcarbamyltnethylmercapto) 3-oxosteroid having the formula:

I RTINCOOHSm.

An alternate route to the compounds of the invention is'by way of the intermediate Za-carbcxyor Zoe-Carbolower-a1koXy-rnethylthio-3 -OXO-Stfillt'l8 (III), prepared by condensing a 2a-bromo-3-oXo-steroid (l) with an a-mercaptoalkanoic acid,ror lower-alkyl ester thereof, having the formula R"'OC=CCH(R)- SH, wherein R and R are hydrogen or lower alkyi. The condensation takes place in an inert solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature between about 50 C. and 150 C. The base can be an alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate or an organic base, for example, a tertiar -amine, such as trimethylamine, collidine and the like.

A Zea-carboxyor 2ct-carbo-lower-alkoXymethylthio-3 oxo-steroid (Ill) can be treated with a compound of the formula RNH i.e., ammonia or a lower-alkylamine, to obtain a steroido[3,2-e]-l',4-hiaz-5'-en-3-one (II). The reactiontakes place in an inert solvent at ordinary temperatures.

A 2e-carboxyor 2a-'carbo-lower-alkoxymefliylthio-3- oXo-steroid (Ill) can be cyclized in the presence of a strong acid to a steroido[3,2-e]-l,4-thioX-'-en-3'-one (IV). The reaction takes place by heating the steroid (III) in an inert solvent with a trace of strong acid at a temperature between about 50 C. and 150 C. The strong acid can be a strong inorganic acid such as sulfuric, phosphoric or perchloric acid, or a strong organic acid such as methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid tertiary-butoxide complex to a Za-carboxyor 2a-carbo-' lower-alkoxymethylthio-Iifi-hydroxy-steroid (V) and the latter can be cyclized in the presence of an acid or a base toa steroido[3,2-e]-1',4'-thioXan-3-one (Vi). The cyclization of V to V1 takes place at ordinary temperatures, and can occur in the presence of the hydride reducing agent used in the reduction of the thiol ketone III.

In order to obtain the steroido[3,2-e] 1,4-thiazan-3- ones of Formula VIII, a 2 x-carbo-lower-alkoxymethylthio-Iifl-hydroxy-steroid of Formula V is converted to the corresponding amide by ammonolysis by heating with ammoniaor a lower-alkylamine (RNH and'the 3-hydroxy group converted to its p-toluenesulfonate esterby heating with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in pyridine. The resulting ester-amide VII (Ts p-toluenesulfonyl) can then be cyclized by heating to give the desired thiazanone of Formula VIII.

The compounds of Formulas II and VIII where R is loWer-alkyl can alternatively be prepared by introducing an alkyl group into the corresponding compounds where R is hydrogen, for example by treating the latter with a lower-alkyl halide in the presence of a strong base.

The structures of the compounds of the invention were established by the mode of synthesis, their ultraviolet and infrared spectra, and by the fact that the values found upon elementary analysis corresponded with the values calculated for the assigned structures. Further proof of structure was provided by Raney nickel desulfurization of a compound of formula II which led to a 3-acetylaminosteroid of the formula CE OOHN i which proved to be identical with the compound produced by reduction and acetylation of the oxirne of the corresponding 3-oxo-steroid. This established that the condensation of the Za-bromo-B-oxo-steroid (I) with mercaptoacetarnide had taken place in the manner depicted and not in the reverse fashion leading to a compound having sulfur attached to the 3-position and nitrogen attached to the 2-position of the steroid nucleus. Still further proof is provided by the fact that the Za-carboxyor 2a-carbo-lower-alkoxymethylthio-3mire-steroids (III) are converted to the same steroido[3,2-e]-1,4-thiaz-5-en-3- ones (ll) as produced in the direct conversion of I to II. In the conversion of ill to II, cyclization in one direction only is possible. Stereochemical configurations Were assigned by analogy and by knowledge of the configurations in the start ng materials.

A preferred group of compounds, derived from readily available starting materials, comprises those having the structural formulas and wherein R and R" each is hydrogen or lower-alkyl; R is hydrogen, lower-alkyl, loWer-alkenyl, lower-alkynyl, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl, LZ-dihydroxyethyl or l-hydroxyethyl; X is O, NH or NGoWer-alkyl); X is selected from the group consisting of H (H) (OH) and O;'Y and Y are'hydrogen or methyl; and Z is hydrogen or hydroxy, Z being restricted to hydroxy when R is hydrogen, loweralkyl, lower-ailrenyl or lower-alkynyl. The preferred aspect also includes compounds wherein R- and Z together represent carbonyl oxygen, and carboxylic acid lesterls of compounds of structures IX and X when car- In the above general Formulas IX and X, R, when it represents a lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl or lower-a kynyl radical, has from one to about four carbon atoms and may be straight or branched, and thus includes such groups as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tertiary-butyl, vinyl, l-propenyl, 2-propenyl, ethynyl, propargyl, and the like.

In the above general Formulas TX and X, R and R" when they represent lower-alkyl groups, can have from one to about four carbon atoms and may be straight or branched, thus including such groups as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso'outyl and the like. The same applies to lower-allay when X represents N(loweralkyl).

The compounds of Formulas IX and X are prepared from the appropriate 2a-halo-3-oxo-steriod, viz.:

wherein R is hydrogen or lower-alkyl, and Z is hydroxy or lower-allranoyloxy.

The present invention has provided a new class of steroid compounds, and these compounds have now been made available for study as to their endocrinological activities. Compounds of the invention have been found to possess such activities as set forth below, and they are are also useful as intermediates in the preparation of different species within the scope of the invention by introduction of new groups or alteration of groups already present in the steroid nucleus by known methods. For example, a steroido[3,2-e]-1,4-thia.z-5-en-3-one hav ng a hydroxy group in the 17-position of the steroid nucleus (IX; R is H, Z is OH) can be oxidized to the corresponding 17-oxo compound. As another instance, a steroido[3,2-e]-l',4-thiaz-5-en-3-one having a l-hydroxyethyl radical in the l7-position (IX; R is CH CH(OH), Z is H) can be oxidized to the corresponding 17-acetyl compound (1X; R is CH CO, Z is H).

Endocrinological studies of the compounds of the invention have shown that they possess useful metabolic and hormonal properties. In particular, they have favorable balances of anabolic, androgenic, pituitary inhibiting, progestational, and adrenal cortical activities. Thus, compounds of the invention possess advantages in being anabolic (myotrophic and nitrogen retentive) at dose levels at which they do not show an appreciable degree of sex hormonal properties. Anabolic agents are useful in the alleviation of conditions arising from poor nitrogen utilization in various debilitating diseases by accelerating the growth of new healthy tissue. Generally speaking, the common anabolic agents possess a moderate to high degree of androgenic activity and their use in females leads to undesirable side-effects such as virilism and hirsutism. Therefore, the separation of these activities, as found in compounds of the present invention, which have high anabolic but low androgenic activities, is a highly desirable feature.

The compounds of the invention can be prepared for use by dispersing them in an aqueous suspension or by dissolving them in a pharmacologically acceptable oil or oil-water emulsion for parenteral administration; or by incorporation in tablet form with excipients for oral administration.

The following examples will further illustrate the invention without the latter being limited thereby.

[1X; R, R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH3, Z is A mixture of 7.25 g. of l7fi-acetoxy-2a-bromoandrostan-3-one, 3.18 g. of mercaptoacetamide and 260 ml. of methanol was refluxed for three hours in a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was recrystallized from methanol to give 17,8-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]-1',4'-thiaz-5-en-3- one in the form of colorless needles, MP. above 300 C., [a] =20.O (1% in chloroform); ultraviolet maxima at 230 and 299 Ill/L (E=4,10O and 2,600).

A revised procedure was carried out as follows: A m xture of 22.25 g. of 17;?-acetoxy-2e-bromoandrostan-3 one, 7.40 g. of mercaptoacetamide, 13.1 g. of collidine and 500 ml. of acetonitrile was refluxed in a nitrogen atmosphere for one and one-half days. The reaction mixture was concentrated in Vacuo at 45 C. to a small volume,

' and the product allowed to separate upon cooling. The

product was collected by filtration, washed with water and with methanol and dried to give 18.0 g. of 17fi-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]-l,4-thiaz-5'-en-3'one, M.P. 333-336 C. (uncorr. vac.).

When measured by its effect upon the growth of the levator ani muscle in the rat, 17B-acetoxyandrostano[3,2- e]-1,4'-thiaz-5-en-3-one was found to possess myotrophic activity with a low degree of androgenicity when administered subcutaneously at dose levels ranging from 0.7 to 11.2 mg./kg./day.

By replacing the mercaptoacetamide in the foregoing preparation by a molar equivalent amount of a-mercaptopropionamide, a-mercaptobutyramide, N-methyl-a-mercaptopropionamide or a-mercaptocaproamide, there can be obtained, respectively, 17fl-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]- 2-methyl-1',4-thiaz-5-en-3-one [IX; R is CH R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH 17,8-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e] 2-ethyl-1',4- thiaz-5'-en-3-one [lX; R is C H R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH 17(3- acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]-2,4'-dimethyl l,4 thiaz-5- en-3'-one [L(; R is CH R and R are H, X is N(CH X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH or acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]-2 (n-butyl) 1',4' thiaz-5- en-3'-one BX; R is n-C H R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH EXAMPLE 2 17/3-Hydr0xyandrostano [3,2-e] -1,4'-Thiaz-5-En-3-0ne [IX; R, R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is 01-1] A mixture of 9.0 g. of 17B-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]- 1',4-thiaz-5-en-3-one (Example 1), 9.0 g. of potassium bicarbonate, 50 ml. of water and 1500 ml. of methanol was refluxed for twenty-four hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated until the product began to crystallize. The product was collected by filtration and dried to gi d 7.2 g. of 17/3-hydroxyandrostano[3,2-e]-l',4'-thiaz-5- en-3-one, which upon crystallization from methanol was obtained as colorless needles, MP. 251.8256.6 C. (corn), [a] =9.0 (1% in chloroform).

When measured by its effect upon the growth of the levator ani muscle in the rat, '17fihydroxyandrostano- [3,2-e]-l'4-thiaz-5-en-3'-one was found to possess myotrophic activity with a low degree of androgenicity when administered subcutaneously at dose levels ranging from 0.7 to 11.2 mg./kg./day.

EXAMPLE 3 ux; a, R andR" are n, X is NH, x' is H2, Y and Y are CH3, Z is A mixture of 3.7 g. of 17,8-hydroxyandrostano[3,2-e]- 1',4-thiaz-5-en-3'-one (Example 2), 6. g. of ,B-cyclopentylpropionic anhydride and 50 ml. of pyridine was heated for six hours on a steam bath. The reaction mixture Was added to 1.5 liters of water and the product collected by filtration. The latter was'dissolved in chloroform, and the chloroform solution extracted with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and concentrated to dryuess. The residue was dissolved in 150 ml. of methylene dichloride, 300 ml. of ether and 550 ml. of n-pentane were added, and the solution was chromatographed on a column of 150 g. of silica gel. The fractions yielding colorless crystalline material were combined and recrystallized first from a methylene dichloride-ethyl acetate mixture and then from a methylene dichloride-methanol mixture to give 17,B-(3-cyclohexylpropionoxy)androstano- [3,2-e]-l,4'-thiaz-5-en-3-one as colorless blades, MP. 267.8268.6 C. (corn), [a] =-3.8 (1% in chloroform); ultraviolet maxima at 230 and 298 mu (E=4,300 and 2,300).

- Similarly, 17B-hydroxyandrostano [3 ,2-e] -1,4'-thiaz-5 EXAMPLE 4- [IX; R, R and R" are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y" are CH Z is OCOCH CH COOH] A mixture of 3.00 g. of 17,8-hydroxyandrostano[3,2-e] 1,4-thiaz-5'-en-3'-one (Example 2), g. of succinic anhydride (MP. 114-1195" C.). and 60 ml. of pyridine was heated on a steam bath for four hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 400 ml. of distilled water, and the product was filtered, dried'and recrystallized from methanol. Theproduct was further purified by dissolving it in acetone, filtering the solution through silica and iniusorial earth, concentrating the solution'and adding hexane to cause the product to precipitate. The resulting material 'was collected and recrystallized from acetone to give 17 3-(6 carboxyprcpionoxy) androstano [3,2-e]- 1',4'-thiaz-5-en-3'-one, MP. 266.6-267.8 C. (corn),

[a] :-32.8 (1% in pyridine).

17,8 (,6 carboxypropionoxy)androstanoE3,2-e] -1,4'-

in Example 1.

g?) thiaz-5'-en-3'-one showed pituitary inhibition when administered subcutaneously to mature female rats at a dose level of 10.0 mg./kg./day.

EXAMPLE 5 17-oxoandrostano[3,2-e] 1',4'-thiaz-5'-en-3-one [L R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH R and Z together represent O] was prepared from 9.18 g. of 2a-bromoandrostane-3,l7-dione, 2.62 g. of mercaptoacetamide, 6.0 g. of collidine and 250 ml. of acetonitrile according to the manipulative procedure described above 17-oxoandrostano[3,2-e]-l,4'-thiaz-5-en- 3-one was obtained in the form of pale orange crystals, Ml 387390 C. (uncorr., dec., vac.), [a] =+26.0 (1% in pyridine).

EXAMPLE 6 17fi-Hydr0xy-17oc-Methylandrostrmo [5,2-2] -1,4'-

T hiaz-S -En-3 '-0ne [1X3 R is H, R is CH R" is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] A mixture of 7.85 g. of 2a-brorno-17a-methylandro stan-l7i3-ol-3-one, mercaptoacetamide (from 4.8 g. of methyl thioglycolate in 35 ml. of ethanol containing 15% of ammonia) and 300 ml. of methanol was refluxed for three hours. The product was isolated and recrystallized from methanol to give 17 B-llYClIOXY-l7ot-I1'l8tl1Yl2BdIO- stano[3,2-e]-l,4'-thiaz-5'-en-3'-one, MP. 302.5306.8 C. (corr.), [a1 =-25.5 (1% in chloroform); ultraviolet maxima at 232 and 298 mu (E==3,802 and 2,416).

When measured by its effect upon the growth of the levator ani muscle in the rat, 17,8-hydroxy47a-rnethylandrostano[3,2-e]-1',4'-thiaz-5'-en-3'-one was found to possess myotrophic activity with a low degree of androgenicity when administered subcutaneously at dose levels ranging from 0.7 to,11.2 mg./kg./day.

[H; R, R and R" are H, X is N(C H X is H Y and Y are CH Z is QCOCH A mixture of 1.00 g. of l7B-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e-1- l',4-thiaz-.5-en3'-one (Example l), 0.50 g. of sodium hydride and 100 ml. of toluene was refluxed for four and one-half hours.

' added and the mixture was refluxed for four hourslongmixture containing 30 parts of ether and parts of pentane and the product thus obtained was recrystallized several times fromacetonitrile to give l7;3-acetoxyandro-.

Ethyl iodide (10 ml.) was then The organic layer was 9 stano[3,2-e]-N-ethyl-l,4-thiaz--en-3-one, M.P. 204.5 210 C. (uncom, vac); ultraviolet maxima at 228 and 282 my (E=4,800 and 2,400), infrared maxima at 5.74 and 6.01 a.

17,8 acetoxyandrostano[3,2 e] -N ethyl 1,4 thiaz-5-en-3'-one can also be prepared by replacing the mercaptoacetamide in Example 1 by a molar equivalent amount of N-etnylmercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 9 (a) 20: bromo 60c methyl 175 acetoxyandrostan- 3-one can be prepared by treating an acetic acid solution of 6a-methyl-17/3-acetoxyandrostan-3-one with a molar equivalent amount of bromine.

(b) 60c methyl 17B acetoxyandrostano[3,2 e] 1, 4-thiaz-5-en-3-oue [D(; R and R are H, R is CH X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH can be prepared from 20; bromo-6a-methyl-17B-acetoxyandrostan-3-one and mercaptoacetamide according to the manipulative procedure described above in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 10 (a) 2 a-Bromo-l 7,8-A cetoxyan dr0stane-3,1 1 -Di0ne Bromine (4.35 g.) and 2.02 g. of fused sodium acetate in 170 ml. of acetic acid was added dropwise to a solution of 9.40 g. of 17fl-acet0xyandrostane-3,1l-dione in 85 ml. of acetic acid containing a trace of hydrogen bromide. The reaction mixture was then added to 350 ml. of water and extracted with ether. The ether extracts were washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried, and concentrated. The residue was recrystallized from acetone-hexane containing a trace of pyridine to give 2u-bromo-1713-acetoxyandrostane-3,1l-dione, M.P. 178.0- 178.8 C. (com), [a] =+4-7.3 (1% in acetone).

[IX; R, R and R are H, X is NH, X is O, Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH Zea-bromo-17,8-acetoxyandrostane-3,1l-dione (2.20 g.), 0.72 g. of mercaptoacetamide, 1.8 ml. of collidine and 100 ml. of acetonitrile Was refluxed under nitrogen for twenty-four hours. The resulting product was isolated and recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 17,8-acetoxy- 11 oxoandrostano[3,2 e] 1,4 thiaz 5 en 3- one, M.P. 330331 C. (dec.)(uncorr.), [a] =+5.3 (1% in chloroform).

EXAMPLE 11 17a ethynyl 17,8 hydroxyandrostano[3,2 e] 1, 4-thiaz-5-en-3-one [IX; R is H, R is CECI-L R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] can be prepared by treating 17-oxoandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4- thiaz-5-en-3-one (Example 5) with potassium acetylide in tertiary-butyl alcohol solution.

The compounds of the following examples can be prepared by condensing the appropriate 2a-bromo-3-oxosteroid with mercaptoacetamide according to the manipulative procedures described above in Example 1. The intermediate 2a-bromo-3-oxo compound is in turn prepared by adding dropwise to an acetic acid solution of the 3-oxo-steroid an acetic acid solution of one equivalent of bromine relative to the steroid.

EXAMPLE 12 1718 hydroxy 17 methyl 19 norandrostano[3,2- e]-1,4-thiaz-5-en-3-one [L R is H, R is CH R" is H, X is NH, X is H Y is H, Y is CH Z is OH] from 20: bromo 17a methyl 19 norandrostan 17,8 ol- 3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 13 175 hydroxy 17a ethy1androstano[3,2 e] 1,4- thiaz-5'-en-3-one [lX; R is H, R is C H R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from Zwbro- 10 mo-17a-ethy1androstan-17fi-ol-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 14 4,4,17a trimethyl 173 hydroxyandrostano[3,2 e]- 1,4-thiaz-5-en-3-one from 2abromo-4,4,l7a-trimethylandrostan-l7t3-ol-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 15 17B hydroxy 17oz propargylandrostano[3,2 e] 1, 4-thiaz-5-en-3-one [IX; R is H, R is CH CECH, R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is 01-1] from Za-bromo-17a-propargylandrostan-17fl-ol-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 16 68,175 dihydroxyandrostano[3,2 e] 1,4 thiaz 5- en-3-one from Za-bromoandrostane-dfi,17B-diol-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 17 6fl,17oc,21 trihydroxy 2O oxoallopregnano[3,2 e]- 1,4-thiaz-5-en-3-one from 2a-bromoallopregnane-6fl, 17a,21-trio1-3,20-dione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 18 z,21 dihydroxy 12,20 dioxoallopregnano[3,2 e1- 1,4-thiaz-5-en-3-one from 2a-bromoallopregnane-l7a, 21-diol-3,12,20-trione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 19 7,20 dioxoallopregnano[3,2 e] 1,4 thiaz 5 en- 3'-one from 2a-bromoallopregnane-3,7,20-trione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 20 6u,17a dimethyl 17/3 hydroxyandrostano[3,2 e]- 1,4-thiaz-5'-en-3-one [IX; R is H, R and R are CH X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 20:- bromo-6a,17a-dimethylandrostan-l7fi-ol-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 21 17B hydroxy 17cc propylandrostano[3,2 e] I,4- thiaz-5-en-3'-one [D(; R is H, R is CH CH CH R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2m-bromo-17a-propylandrostan-17B-ol-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 22 17,6 hydroxy 17 a propynylandrostano[3,2 e] 1, 4'-thiaz-5-en-3-one [IX; R is H, R is CECCH R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2a-bromo-17a-propyny1androstan-17,8-o1-3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 23 9a,'17[3 dihydroxyandrostano[3,2 e] 1',4 thiaz- 5'-en-3-one from 2a-bromo-9a,17,8-dihydroxyandrostan- 3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 24 EXAMPLE 26 20 oxoallopregnano[3,2 e] 2' -methyl 1,4 thiaz-5-en-3-one [D(; R is CH R is COCH R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is H] from 2a-bl0 moallopregnane-3,20-dione and a-mercaptopropionamide.

EXAMPLE 27 17:1,21 dihydroxy 20 oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4-

ed er/a1 l thiaz-5-en-3 one [IX; R is H, R is COCH OH, R" is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH .2 is OH] from Za-bromoallopregnane-1'7e,2l-di0l-3,20-dior1e and mercaptoacetarnide.

EXAMPLE 28 11,17a dihydroxy 20-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4- thiaz-5-en-3'-one [iXg R is H, R is COCH R" is H, X is NH, X is (H) (OH), Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2e-bromoallopregnane-l1e,l7ct-diol-3,2O'dior1e and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 29 11a,21 dihydroxy 20 oXoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4'-'

thiaz-5-er1-3-one [IX; R is H, R is COCH OH, R" is H, X is NH, X is (H) (OH), Y and Y are CH Z is H] from Za-bromoallopregnane-lla,21-diol-3,20-dione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 3O 16c ,17u epoxy 11a hydroxy 2O oxoallopregnano [3,2-e]-1,4-*hiaz-5-en-3-one from 20L-bI'OmO-16OL,17C- epoxyallopregnan-lh-ol-Z,ZO-dione and mercaptoacetamide. EXAMPLE 31 9a-fiuoro l15,17a,21-trihydroxy-20-oxoallopregnano- [3,2-e']-1,4-thiaz-5'-en-3-orre from 2u-bromo-9a-fluoroallopregnane-l1,8,l7a,2l-triol-3,20-dione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXr'LMPLE 32 11a hydroxy ZO-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4--thiaz- 5-en-3-or1e [lX; R is H, R is COCH R" is H, X is NH, X is (H) (OH-ct), Y and Y are CH Z is H] from Za-bromoallopregnan-l1a-0l-3,20-dione and mercaptoacetamide.

' XAMPLE 33 11,8 hydroxy 20-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4-thiaz- 5 er1-3-one [IX; R is H, l is COCK-1 1 is H, X is NH, X is (H)(OH-/3), Y and Y are CH 2'. is H] from Zecbromoallopregnan-llj8-ol-3,20-dione and mercaptaceta' mide. V

EMMPLE 34 15B hydroxy 2O-oxoallopregnar1o[3,2-e]-1,4-thiaz- -en-3-one from 2ot-bromoallopreguan-15fi-ol-3,20-dione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 35 NH, X'isH Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2w EXAMPLE 3:;

17 21 dihydroxy 11,20 dioxoallopregnano{3,2-e]- l,4'-thiaz-5'-en-3 one [IX; R is H, R is COCH OH,

' R" is H, X is Ni-LXis 0, Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from Za-brornoallopregnaue 17a, 21-diol-3,1LZO-trioue and mercaptoacetamide.

V EXAMPLE 39 16a,17a epoxy 12,20-dioxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4-

tively.-

l2 thiaz-5-en-3-one from 2a-bromo-l6a,17a-epoxyall0pregmane-3,12,20-trione and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMPLE 40 15,20 dioxoallopregnano[3,2-e] 1',4-thiaz-5-en-3- one from 2a-bromoallopregnane-3,15,20-trione and mercaptoacetarnide.

EXAMPLE 41 165,20 dihydroxyallopregnano[3,2-e] 1,4-thiaz-S- eu-3-one from 2a-bronioallopregnane-l6B,20a-diol3-one and mercaptoacetamide.

EXAMELE 42 y one from 2a-bromoallopregn-l4-ene-3,20-dione and mercaptoaeetamide.

EXAMPLE 43 2O oxoallopregn 16 eno[3,2-e]-l,4-thiaz-5-en-3- one from 2a-bromoallopregu-l6-er1e-3,ZO-dione and mercagtoacetamide.

EXAli iPLE 44- Allopregn 17(20) eno[3,2-e]-1,4-thiaz-5-en-3-one from Za-bromoailopregu-U(20)-er1-3-one and mercaptoacetarnide.

Similarly, l7,8-hydroxy-6-audrosteno [3 ,2-e] -1,4-thiaz- 5'-en-3-one and l7fi-hydroxy-9(1l)-androsteno[3,2-e]- l, -thiaz-5'-en-3'-one can be prepared by reacting mercaptoacetamide with 2a-brorno-6-androsten-17B-ol-3-one and 2a bromo 9(1l)-androsteri-l76-01-3-one, respec- EXAMPLE 45 (a) Za-CarbOmethoxymethylmercapto- I 7fi-AceloxyandrostanJ-One A mixture of 15.00 g. of 2a-bromo-l7fi-acetoxyandrostau-3-one, 5.85 g. of methyl thioglycolate, 7.5 ml. of

collidine and 580 ml. of acetouitrile Was refluxed under nitrogen for about eighteen hours. Most of the acetonitrile was removed by distillation and 500 ml. of ether and 300 ml. of Water Were added to the residue. The mixture was shaken, and the ether layer was separated and Washed successively with water, 2N hydrochloric acid, Water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water and saturated sodium chloride solution. Was dried and concentrated to dryness, and the residue was recrystallized first from acetone and then from an acetone-hexane mixture to give Za-carbomethoxymethyh 'mercapto 17B acetoxyaridrostair 3 one, M1. 143 .2-

145.6 C. (corn), [a] =+22.Z (1% in chloroform).

By replacing the methyl thioglycolate in the foregoing preparation by a molar equivalent amount of thioglycolic acid, ethyl thioglycolate, methyl a -mereaptopropionate or methyl a-mercaptocaproate there can be obtained, respectively, 2u-carboxymethylmercapto-17fi-acetoxyandrostan- 3-orie, 2ct-carbethoxymethylmercapto-l7fi-acetoxyandrostair-3 one, 2a- (1-carbomethoxyethylmercapto)-1'7,8 acetoxyandrostau-3-one or 2a-(l-carbomethoxypentylrnercapto)-17,8-acetoxyandrostan-3-one.

(1)) Z-Carbomethoxymethylmercaplmi] 7fi-Diace t0xy- Z-Androstene A mixture of 3.00 g. of 2-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-l7,8-acetoxyandrostan-3-ohe, 30 ml. of acetic anhydride and 3 ml. of acetyl chloride was refluxed for three hours and then poured into 600 ml. of water. The mixture was extracted With ether and the ether solution Washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, Water and sodium chloride solution, and dried and concentrated. The residue Was recrystallized three times from an ether-eentane mixture to give Z-carbomethoxymethylmercapto 3,175 diacetoxy 2 androstene, 'MP. 111.6- 1i3.6 C. (corr.), [a] =|31.7 (1% in acetone).

The compounds of the following examples can he prepared by. condensing the appropriate 2a-bromo-3-oxo- The ether solution steroid with methyl thioglycolate according to the manipulative procedure described above in Example 45.

EXAMPLE 46 2a carbomethoxymethylmercaptoandrostane 3,17 dione from 2a-bromoandrostane-3,l7-dione and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 47 2a carbornethoxymethylmercapto 17m-methylandrostan-17fi-ol-3-one from 2a-bromo-l7a-methylandrostan- 17,8-ol-3-one and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 48 2a carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 3,20- dione from 2a-bromoallopregnane-3,20-dione and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 49 2a carbomethoxymethylmercapto 17cc methyl 19- norandrostan-17B-ol-3-one from 2a-bromo-17a-methyl- 19-norandrostan-17B-ol-3-one and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 50 2a carbomethoxymethylmercapto 4,4,l7a-trimethylandrostan-17B-ol-3-one from 2oc-hromo-4,4,17a-trimethylandrostan-17B-ol-3-one and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 51 2a carbomethoxymethylmercapto 17a propargylandrostan-175-ol-3-one from 2a-bromo-17a-propargylandrostan-17B-ol-3-one and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 52 2a carbomethoxymethylmercapto 6a,l7a dimethylandrostan-l7B-ol-3-one from 2u-bromo-6a,l7ct-dimethylandrostan-17fl-ol-3-one and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 5 3 2c: carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 11a, l7a-diol-3,20-dione from 2a-bromoallopregnane-lla,l7adil-3,20-dione and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 4 2a carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 11a, 2l-diol-3,20-dione from 2a-bromoallopregnane-llc ,21- diol-3,20-dione and methyl thioglycolate.

EXAMPLE 55 2o: carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 17oz, 2l-diol-3,11,20-trione from Za-bromoallopregnane-17a, 21-diol-3,1l,20-trione and methyl thioglycolate.

EMMPLE 56 2a-Carboxymethylmercapto-I 7,8-H wlroxyandrostarz- To a solution of 4.55 g. of Za-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-l7 S-acetoxyandrostan-3-one in 450 ml. of methanol was added a solution of 4.55 g. of potassium bicarbonate in 22.5 ml. of water, and the mixture was refluxed for twenty hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and 450 ml. of water and 450 ml. of ether were added. The mixture was shaken, the Water layer separated and acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The product which separated was collected by filtration, dried, dissolved in methanol, 2.0 g. of potassium hydroxide was added, and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The latter mixture was concentrated in vacuo, shaken with ether and water, and the Water layer acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The solid product was collected by filtration and recrystallized first from an acetone-ethyl acetonehexane mixture, then from an acetone-ethyl acetate mixture and finally from aqueous methanol to give Za-carboxymethylmercapto-l7fi-hydroxyandrostan-3-one, M.P. 213.22l5.0 C. (corn), [a] =2.4 (1% in acetone).

i4 EXAMPLE 5'! [.IX; R, R and R are H, X is NH, X is H ,Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH EXAMPLE 5 8 [IX; R, R and R are H, X is NCH X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH was prepared by substituting methylamine for the ammonia in the procedure of Example 57. The product was obtained in the form of an oil, ultraviolet maxima at 228 and 291 me (E=3,570 and 1,770); infrared absorption at 3.04, 3.46, 5.78-5.90, 6.04, 6.50 and 6.92

EXAMPLE 59 l 7 B-Acetoxyandrosiano [3,2-21-1 ,4-T hiox- 5-En-3-One [lX; R, R and R" are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH A mixture of 5.3 g. of 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-l7fi-acetoxyandrostan-3-one (Example 45), a few mg. of p-toluene-sulfonic acid monohydrate and 500 m1. of benzene was refluxed for twenty-four hours. The reaction mixture was cooled, washed three times with water, with sodium chloride solution, and dried and concentrated. The product was recrystallized twice from acetone and then from an acetone-hexane mixture to give acetoxyandrostanol[3,2-e]-l,,4'-thiox-5-en 3-one, M.P. 209.0-2l0.0 C. (corn), [a] =+6.0 (1% in chloroform).

l7f3-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e] l,4-thiox-5-en-3'-one can also be prepared by heating loz-carboxymethylmercapto-l7fi-acetoxyandrostan-3-one in benzene solution in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid.

By replacing the 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-17B- acetoxyandrostan-3-one in the foregoing preparation by a molar equivalent amount of 2a-(1-carbomethoxyethylmercapto)-17(3-acetoxyandrostan-3-one or 2u-(l-carbomethoxypentylmercapto)l7{3-acetoxyandrostan 3 one there can be obtained, respectively, l7fi-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]-2-methyl-l,4'-thiox-5-en-3'-one [IX; R is CH R and R are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH or 17,8-acetoxyandrostano[3,2-e]-2- butyl-l,4-thiox-5-en-3-one [IX; R is n-C H R and R are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH The compounds of the following examples can be prepared by heating the appropriate Z-carbomethoxymethylmercapto steroid in benzene solution in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid according to the manipulative procedure described above in Example 59.

EXAMPLE 6O l7-oxoandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4'-thiox-5-en-3-one [IX; R and .R" are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH R and Z together represent 0] from 2u-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoandrostane-3,17-dione (Example 46).

EXAMPLE 61 17,8-1ydroxy-l7a-methylandrostano [3,2-e] -1,4 thiox- X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2ct-carbornethoxymethylmercapto-l7 t-methylandrostan-l75-01 3 one (Example 47) EXAMPLE 62 20 oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4-tl1iox-5-en-3-one [IX; R is H, R is COG-I R is H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is H] from Zct-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane3,20-dione (Example 48).

EXAMPLE 63 l7fi-hydroxy-l7wmethyl 19 norandrostano[3,2-e]-l- -thiox-.5'-en-3-one [IXy R is H, R is CH R is H, X is O, X is H Y is H, Y is CH Z is OH] from 2w carbornethoxymethylmercapto-l7a-methyl-l9 norandrostan-l7-ol-3-one (Example 49).

EXAMPLE 64 110:. 174x-dihYdroxy-ZO-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e] 1,4- thiX-5-en-3-one [IX; R is H, R is COCH R" is H, X is O, X is (H) (OI-La), Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2a-caroomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 1111,1706- diol-3,20-dione (Example 53).

EXAMPLE 6 8 v1lt:,21-,dihydroxy 20 oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4- thiox--en-3-one 11X; R is H, R is COCH OH, R is H, X is O, X is (H) (OH-a), Y and Y are CH Z is H] from Zw-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane-1la, 2l-diol-3,20-dione (Example 54).

. EXAMPLE 69 17a,2l-dihydroxy 11,20 dioxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1, 4-thiox-5-en-3one [IXg R is H, R is COCH OH, R" is H, X and X are 0, Y and Y are CH Z is'OH] from 2acarbomethoxymethylmercaptoalloprcgnane-17a,2l diol- 3,.1l,20-trione (Example 55 EXAMPLE 70 (a) 17,3-Acet0xyandr0stano[3,2-2]-1,4- lzioxan- [X; R, R and R are H, X is O, X is H Y'and Y are CH Z is OCOCI-Ig] 7 .To a solution of 25.2 g. of lithium hydride-aluminum tertiary-butoxide complex in 225 ml. of tetrahydrofuran at 5 C. was added arsolution of 25.2 g. of 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-17,8-acetoxyandrostan-3-one (Example 45) in 130 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The addition was performed dropwise over aperiod of fifty-five minutes, and the reaction mixture was then stirred for thirty minutes at'0'C. Acetic acid (7.2 ml.) was then added, the mixture was concentrated on a steam bath, and 650 ml. of methylene dichloride and 250 ml. of 1N hydrochloric acid were added. The mixture was filtered, 325 ml. of water added, and the organiclayer was separated,

washed with water, sodium chloride solution, dried and concentrated. The residue was recrystallized from an acetone-methylene dichloride mixture to give 10.45 g. of 17o acetoxyandr-ostano[3,2 e] 1,4' thioxan 3' one, MP. 279.8-2814" C. (corr.), [a] =|146.1 (1% in chloroform).

(b) 2a-Carbomethoxymethylmercapto-J 7fl-Acet0xyandr0stan-3fi-Ol The mother liquors from the recrystallization of the product obtained in part (a) above were chromato graphed on a column of 350 g. of silica gel. The column was eluted with solvent containing 15% methylene dichloride, 15% ether and 70% pentane until no further material Was eluted, and then with a solvent containing 15% methylene dichloride and 85% ether. The product brought out by the latter solvent was recrystallized from methanol to give 2.75 g. of 2OC-CfilbOl'IlCtilOXYl'IlfithYhTlSI- capto-l7fi-acetoxyandrostan-3,B-ol, M.P. 114.6123.0 C. (corn), [a] =-21.6 1% in chloroform).

By replacing the 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-17,6-

acetoxyandrostan-3-one in the foregoing preparation by a molar equivalent amount of 2a-(l-carbomethoxyethylmercapto)-17,8-acetoxyandrostan-3-one or 2oc-(l-carbomethoxypentylmercapto) 17 3 acetoxyandrostan 3- one there can be obtained, respectively, 17,8-acetoxyandrostano[3,2 e] 2 methyl 1,4 thioxan 3 one [X; R is CH R and R are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH and 20a (1 carbomethoxyethylmercapto)-l7B-acetoxyandrostan-3/3-ol; or 17,8-acetoxyandrostan[3,2-e] -2-buty1-1,4'-thioxar1-3-0ne [X; R is n-C H R and R" are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH and 2a-(l-carbomethoxypentylmercapto) -17,8-acetoxyandrostan-3,B-ol.

The compounds of the following examples can be prepared by reducing the appropriate 2-carbomethoxymethylmercapto steroid with lithium hydride-aluminum tertiarybutoxide complex according to the manipulative procedure described above in Example 70.

EXAMPLE 71 17-oxoandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4'-thioxan-3-one [X; R and R are H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH R and Z together represent G] and 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoandrostan-Sfi-ol-l7-one from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoandrostane-3,17-dione (Example 46).

EXAMPLE 72 17B hydroxy 17oz methylandrostano [3,2 e]- 1,4-th ioxan-3-one [X; R is H, R is CH R is H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is CH] and 2ot-carbomethoxymethylmercapto 17a methylandrostane 3,8,- 17,8-diol from 2oc-carbomethoxymethylmercapto17amethylandrostan-17fl-ol-3-one (Example 47).

EXAMPLE 73 20-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-1,4-thioxan-3-one' [X; R is H, R is COCH R is H, X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is H] and Za-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnan-BB-ol-ZO-one from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane-3,20-dione (Example 48).

EXAMPLE 74 7 EXAMPLE 75 4,4,170; trimethyl 17B hydroxyandrostano[3,2 e]- 1',4'-thioxan-3-one and Za-carbomethoxymethylmercapto -4,4l7a-trimethylandrostan-3p,17,9-diol from Zinc-carbomethoxymethylmercapto --4,4,17oc trimethylandrostan- 17p-ol-3-one (Example 50).

1 7 EXAMPLE 75 17 3 hydroxy 17oz propargylandrostano[3,2 e]- 1,4-thioxan-3-one [X; Ris H, R is CHZCECH, R is H, X is O, X is 1-1 Y and Y are CH Z is OH] and 2a carbomethoxymethylmercapto 17a propargylandrostane- 3B,l7[3-diol from Za-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-17c:- propargylandrostan-17,8-01-3-one (Example 51).

EXAMPLE 77 611,170; dimethyl 175 hydroxyandrostano[3,2 e]- 1,4-thioxan-3-one {X; R is H, R and R are CH X is O, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] and 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto 6a,17a dimethylandrostane- 35,17fi-dio1 from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-6a,- 17a-dimethylandrostan-l7[i-ol-3-one (Example 52).

EXAMPLE 7S 1105,1766 dihydroxy 20 oxoaliopregnano[3,2 e]- l,4-thioxan-3-one [X; R is H, R is COCH R is H, X is O, X is (H) (OH-u), Y and Y are CH Z is OH] and 2a carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 3,8,11a,- 17oc-1Ii01-20-0116 from 2u-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane-l1a,17a-diol-3,20-dione (Example 53).

EXAMPLE 79 1111,21 dihydroxy 20 oxoallopregnano[3,2 e] 1,- 4-thioxan-3-one [X; R is H, R is COCH OH, R is H, X is O, X is (H) (OH-a), Y and Y are CH Z is H] and 2a carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 3111M,- 21-triol-20-one from 2u-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane-l1u,21-dio1-3,20-dione (Example 54).

EXAMPLE 80 17cc,2l dihydroxy 11,20 dioxoallopregnano[3,2 e]- 1,4'-thioxan-3-one [X; R is H, R is COCH OH, R is H, X and X are 0, Y and Y are CH Z is OH] and 2a carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 35,1701,- 21-triol-11,20-dione from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane-l7u,21-di0l-3,11,20-trione (Example 55) EXAMPLE 81 1 7,8-Acetxyandr0stan0[3,2-e]-1 ,4-Thiazan-3 -Orze [X; R, R and R are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] 204 carbomethoxymethylmercapto 176 acetoxyandrostan-3B-ol (Example 7%) is heated with concentrated ammonium hydroxide and the resulting amide, Za-carboxamidomethylmercapto 175 acetoxyandrostan 3,8- 01 is treated with an excess of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in pyridine solution to give 2oz-carboxamidomethylmercapto 17,8 acetoxy 313 (p toluenesulfonyloxy)androstane. The latter compound upon heating is converted to 17;3-acetoxyandrostano-[3,2-e]-1,4'-thiazan-3- one.

If the ammonium hydroxide in the foregoing procedure is replaced by methylamine, there can be obtained 17,8- acetoxyandrostane[3,2-e]-N-methyl-1',4-thiazan 3 one [X; R, R and R are H, X is N(CH X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OCOCH The compounds of the following examples can be prepared from the appropriate 2-carhometlioxymeihylmercapto-3,B-hydroxysteroid according to the procedure described above in Example 31.

EXAMPLE 82 17-oxoandrostan0[3,2-e]-1,4'-thiazan-3-one [X; R and R" are H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH R and Z together represent 0] from Zu-caIbomethoxymethyI- mercaptoandrostan-Iifl-ol-17-one (Example 71).

EXAMPLE 83 17B-hydrox -l7a-methylandrostan0[3,2-e]-l,4-thiazan- 3-0ne [X; R is H, R is CH R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from Zea-carbol methoxymethylmercapto 17o: methylandrostane-3,B,17fldiol (Example 72),

EXAMPLE 84 ZO-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e]-l,4-thiazan-3-one [X; R is H, R is 'COCHg, R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is H] from 2oc-carbomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnan-BB-ol-ZO-one (Example 73).

EXAMPLE 17fi-hydroxy-i7a-methyl-19-norandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4- thiazan-3'-or1e [X; R is H, R is CH R is H, X is NH, X is H Y is H, Y is CH Z is OH] from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto 17o: methyl-1'9-norandrostane- 3B,l7,B-diol (Example 74).

EXAMPLE 86 4,4,17a trimethyl-17B-hydroxyandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4- thiazau-3-one from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-4, 4,17a-trimethylandrostan-3fi,17B-diol (Example 75).

EXAMPLE 87 17,8 hydroxy-l7u-propargylandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4'-thiazan-3-one [X; R is H, R is CHZCECH, R is H, X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2c: carhomethoxymethylmercapto 17a propargylandrostane-3,8,l7fi-diol (Example 76).

EXAMPLE 88 6c,17cc dimethyl l7fi-hydroxyandrostano[3,2-e]-1',4- thiazan-3-one [X; R is H, R and R are CH X is NH, X is H Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from Zea-carbomethoxymethylmercapto-ct,17a dimethylandrostane 35, 175-diol (Example 77).

EMMPLE 89 1 1a,17wdihydroxy-ZO-oxoallopregnano[3,2-e] -1 ,4-thiaZan-3-one [X; R is H, R is COCH R is H, X is NH, X is (H)(OH-c), Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from Zen-cubomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane- 3 B, l 1a,17a-triol-20one (Example 78).

EXAMPLE 9O :,21 dihydroxy 20 oxoallopregnano[3,2-e] 1,4'- thiazan-3-one [X; R is H, R is COCH OH, R is H, X is NH, X is (H) (OH-a), Y and Y are CH Z is H] from 2a-carbomethoxymethylmereaptoallopregmane-35,11a,21-triol-2G-one (Example 79).

EXAMPLE 91 l7a,21-dihydroxy-1 1,20-dioxoallopregnano [3,2-e] -1 ,4- thiazan-3 one [X; R is H, R is COCH OH, R is H, X is NH, X is O, Y and Y are CH Z is OH] from 2:1 carhomethoxymethylmercaptoallopregnane 35,170, 2l-triol-l1,2G-dione (Example 80).

EXAMPLE 9'2 1 7 ,B-A cetaxyai-zdrostano [3,2-e] -N-MethyZ-1 ,4- T him-5 '-E1z-3 '-One EX; R, R and R are H, X is N(CH X is H Y an Y are CH Z is OCOCH was recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 17,8-acetoxytndrostano[3,2-e]-N-methyl-l,4-thiaz--en-3-one, MP. Z23.4-227.'8 C. (corn), [cc] =91.9 (1% in chloroform).

I claim:

1. A member of the group consisting of steroido[3,2-e]- l,4'-thiaz-5-en-3-ones; steroido[3,2-e]-1,4-thiazan-3- mes; steroido[3,2-,e]-1,4-thioX-5-en-3-ones; and steroilo[3,2-e]-1,4-thioXan-3'-ones, in which the steroid noiety is selected from the group consisting of the estrane, lIldI'OStHIIC and allopregnane series, has from seventeen about twenty-three carbon atoms exclusive of ester 'adicals, has the Set-configuration, and is saturated at he 1-, 4-, 5- and 10-positions.

2. A compound selected from the group consisting of (A) compounds having the formula selected from wherein R and R are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower-alkyl; R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, .ower-alkynyl, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl 1nd l-hydroxyethyl; X is a member of the group con- ;isting of O, NH and N(lower-alkyl); X is a member )f the group consisting of H (H) (OH) and O; Y and l" are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and nethyl; and Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy, Z being restricted to hydroxy When R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, .ower-alkyl, loWer-alkenyl and loWer-alkynyl; (B) the foregoing compounds wherein R and Z together repreaent carbonyl oxygen; and (C) carboxylic acid esters of :arbinols thereof, the acyl moieties of said esters having :rom one to about ten'carbon atoms and having a molec- 1lar weight less than about 200.

3. 175 hydroxy 17a lower-alkylandrostano[3,2-e]- l,4-thiaz-5-en-3-one.

4. 17,8-lower-alkanoyloxyandrostano[3,2-e] -1',4- thiazi-en-3-one. V

5 175 acetoXyandrostano[3,2-e] 1,4-thiaz-5-en-3- 6. 17fi-hydroxyandrostano[3,2-e]-l,4-thiaz-5 en 3- 7. 17/3 hydroxy 17a methylandrostano[3,2-e]-1,4- hiaz-5-en-3'-one.

8. 17,3 (B-carboxypropionoxy)androstano[3,2-e]1,4-

9. The process for preparing a steroido[3,2-e]-1,4- hiaz-5-en-3-one which comprises reacting a 2a-halo-3- xosteroid with a member of the group consisting of merzaptoacetamide and N-lower-alkylmercaptoacetamides, in vhich the steroid moiety is selected from the group consistng of the estrane, androstane and allopregnane series, has 'rom seventeen to about twenty-three carbon atoms exclu- 2:53 sive of ester radicals, has the Six-configuration, and is saturated at the l-, 4-, 5- and l0-positions.

10. The process for preparing a compound selected from the group consisting of (A) compounds having the 5 formula wherein R and R are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower-alkyl; R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, lower- 20 alkynyl, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl and 1- hydroxyethyl; X is a member of the group consisting of H (H) (OH) and O; Y and Y are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; and Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy, Z being restricted to hydroxy when R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl and lower-alkynyl; (B) the foregoing compounds wherein R and Z together represent carbonyl oxygen; and (C) carboxylic acid esters of carbinols thereof, the acyl moieties of said esters having from one to about ten carbon atoms and having a molecular weight less than about 200, which comprises reacting a compound having the for mula wherein T is a member of the group consisting of O C and (fi-HO)CH; R, R and R are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower-alkyl; R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alkyl, lower-a1- kenyl, lower-alkynyl, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl, LZ-dihydroxyethyl and l-hydroxyethyl; X is a member of the group consisting of H (H) (OH) and O; Y and '1" are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; and Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy, Z being restricted to hydroxy when R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alkyl, loweralkenyl and 1ower-alhynyl; (B) the foregoing compounds wherein R and Z together represent carbonyl oxygen; and (C) carboxylic acid esters of carbinols thereof, the acyl moieties of said esters having from one to about ten carbon atoms and having a molecular weight less Lari about 200.

18. 17a-1ower-alkyl-2a-carbo lower alkoxymethylmercaptoandrostan-175-ol-3-one.

19. 17fi-1ower-a1kanoyloxy 2a carbo lower-alkoxymethylrnercaptoandrostan-3-one.

20. Zea-carboxymethylmercaptoandrostan-17B-ol-3-one.

21. 3,175 diacetoxy-Z-carbomethoxymethylmereapto- Z-androstene.

22. 17B-acetoxy 20c (N-methylcarbamylmethylmercapto) -androstan-3-one.

23. 170L-10'WBI-3lkYl-205 carbo lower alkoxymethylmercaptoandrostane-3fi,17fi-diol.

24. 17fi-lower-alkanoyloxy 2oz carbo lower-alkoxymethylmercaptoandrostan-Ivfl-ol.

25. The process for preparing a steroido[3,2-e]-1,4'- thioX-5'-en-3'-one which comprises heating in the presence of a strong acid a member of the group consisting of 2mcarbo-lower-alkoxymethylmercapto 3 oXo-steroids and Za-carboxymethylrnercapto 3 oxo steroids in which the steroid moiety is sel cted from the group consisting of the estrane, androstane and allopregnane series, has from eventeen to about twenty-three carbon atoms exclusive of ester radicals, has the Sen-COrfiguIfi'tiOn, and is saturated at the 1-, 4-, 5- and lO-positions.

26. The process for preparing a steroido[3,2-e]-l',4'- thioX-5'-en-3-one which comprises heating hi the presence of a strong acid a compound selected from the group consisting of (A) compounds having the formula wherein R, R" and R are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower-alkyl; R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, lower-alkynyl, acetyl, hydroxyacetyl, 1,2-dihydroxyethyl and l-hydroxyethyl; X is a member of the group consisting of H (H) (OH) and O; Y and Y are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; and Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy, Z being restricted to hydroxy when R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower-alltyl, lower-alkenyl and lower-alkynyl; (B) the foregoing compounds wherein R and Z together represent carbonyl oxygen; and (C) carboxylic acid esters of carbinols thereof, the acyl moieties of said esters having horn one to about ten carbon atoms and having a molecular weightless than about 200.

27. The process for preparing a steroido[3,2-e]-1,4-

thiaZ-5'-en-3'-one which comprises heating with a member of the group consisting of ammonia and a lower-alkylamine a compound selected from the group consisting 0: 2a carbo lower alkoxymethylmercapto 3 oxo ste roids and 2a carboXymethylmercapto-3pro-steroids, i1 wmch the steroid moiety is selected from the group con sisting of the estrane, androstane and allopregnane series has from seventeen to about twenty-three carbon atom: exclusive of ester radicals, has the Set-configuration, am is saturated at the 1-, 4-, 5- and lfi-positions.

28. The process for preparing a steroido[3,2-e]-1,4 thiaz-5-en-3-one which comprises heating with a membe: of the group consisting of ammonia and a lower-alkyl amine a compound having the formula wherein R and R are members of the group consisfin, of hydrogen and lower-alkyl; and Z is a member of th group consisting of hydroxy and lower-alkanoyloxy.

29. The process for preparing a steroido[3,2-e]-1,4' thioXan-3'-one which comprises treating with an alkal metal hydride reducing agent a 2cc-carbo-loWer-alkoxy methylmercapto-3-oXo-steroid in which the steroid moiet is selected from the group consisting of the estrane, an

rostane and allopregaane series, has from seventeen ti about twenty-three carbon atoms exclusive of ester radi cals, has the Six-configuration, and is saturated at the l- 4-, 5- and 10-positions.

30. The process for preparing a compound having thl formula ROOCCHZS...

wherein R and Z are identical with their selection abov. and Hal is selected from the group consisting of chlorine bromine and iodine, with a compound having the formul: ROOCCH SH, wherein R is identical with its selec tion above.

No references cited.

i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 3,135,741 June 2, 1964 Robert L, Clarke It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1, line 11, for "-5" read --5 lines 15 to 25, for the extreme lower left portion of the formula reading:

(By? i: C21 C21 1 (ml v I (e) read l 01C 5 O: 3 5 (c) S (d) (c) X (d) same column 1, line 39, for "any any" read and any lines 5i) and 51, for hy:5roxy-acyloxy,," read hydroxy, acyloxy, column 2, lines 65 to 71, formula VIII, for the left-hand portion of the formula reading:

read I 0:6

column 13, lines 71 and 72, for "acetone-ethyl acetonehereas" read acetone-ethyl acetate-hexane Si ned and sealed this 23rd day of February 1965.

(SEAL) Attest:

. ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A MEMBER OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF STEROIDO(3,2-E)1'',4''-THIAZ-5''-EN-3''-ONES; STEROIDO (3,2-E)-1'',4''-THIAZAN-3''ONES; STEROIDO(3,2-E)-1'',4''-THIOX-5''-EN3''-ONES; AND STEROIDO(3,2-E)-1'',4''-THIOXAN-3''-ONES, IN WHICH THE STEROID MOIETY IS SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF THE ETRANE, ANDROSTANE AND ALLOPREGNANE SERIES, HAS FROM SEVENTEEN TO ABOUT TWENTY-THREE CARBON ATOMS EXCLUSIVE OF ESTER RADICALS, HAS THE 5A-CONFIGURATION, AND IS SATURATED AT THE 1-,4-,5-AND 10-POSITIONS. 